{
  "abstract": "Background The Guyanese Ministry of Health (MOH) recently launched a national autism program focused on establishing a sustainable, equitable system of care for all Guyanese children, while addressing key challenges, such a lack of pediatric-trained rehabilitation specialists. We outline the development of its national roadmap for autism detection and treatment, a tiered model for service delivery, and an integrated capacity-strengthening strategy.Methods The program was developed through a consultative process led by the MOH, with technical support from experts at the Mount Sinai Health System’s Arnhold Institute for Global Health. A national roadmap was created to guide multi-sectoral initiatives across various levels of care, aligning services within the existing health system—from community health workers to pediatric specialists.Capacity strengthening is planned for late 2025-early 2026, employing a blended approach of virtual sessions, interactive case-based learning, and in-country training across ten regions.Results The roadmap received official MOH endorsement and was incorporated into Guyana’s national child health agenda in 2025. Complementary materials including a parent brochure, health worker handbooks, and training curricula were developed. An estimated 250+ providers—including physicians, nurses, therapists, and community health workers—will be trained in autism recognition, referral, and basic intervention strategies, extending support to all children, including those in indigenous and hinterland communities.Conclusions Guyana’s national autism program demonstrates that with strategic planning, cross-sector collaboration, and targeted training, systems can be built within South America to improve early diagnosis and care for children with autism. Regular monitoring is planned for measuring impact and sustainability.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Ministry of Health, Georgetown, Guyana"
      ],
      "name": "Ariane Mangar"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Ministry of Health, Georgetown, Guyana"
      ],
      "name": "Ertenisa Hamilton"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Arnhold Institute for Global Health at Mount Sinai, New York, USA",
        "Mount Sinai Guyana Child and Youth Health Initiative, New York, USA"
      ],
      "name": "Niccollette Tamayo-Jimenez"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Arnhold Institute for Global Health at Mount Sinai, New York, USA",
        "Mount Sinai Guyana Child and Youth Health Initiative, New York, USA",
        "Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA"
      ],
      "name": "Rachel C Vreeman"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Mount Sinai Guyana Child and Youth Health Initiative, New York, USA"
      ],
      "name": "S Maria E Finnell"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Mount Sinai Guyana Child and Youth Health Initiative, New York, USA",
        "Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA"
      ],
      "name": "Megan S McHenry"
    }
  ],
  "title": "81 Developing a national autism program in Guyana: a tiered approach to care and workforce training",
  "uid": "06b164d3-5dd4-510e-8537-b6b97de45bfc"
}